REACTIONS OF EPINEPHRINE IN OIL

To the Editor:—  In the February 24 issue of The Journal Dorwart calls attention to a severe reaction following an injection of epinephrine in oil. Because of the widespread use of this slowly absorbed epinephrine preparation and because serious reactions have occurred in the past following its administration, I feel that it is my duty, as progenitor of epinephrine in oil, to suggest an adequate explanation for these reactions and thus prevent their occurrence in the future.Reactions to epinephrine in oil may be divided into two groups: In the first group are included local reactions. These may be divided into two different types. One type is manifested by soreness and perhaps redness and swelling. This reaction occurs at the site of injection, persists for from twenty-four to forty-eight hours and is due to the irritating free fatty acids present in the vegetable oil. During the time when I was